Pocono winter storm: Snow fizzles out, but ice strikes fear

A major winter storm that has gripped much of the Midwest and Northeast brought a wintry mix to the Poconos on Wednesday. Heavy snow overspread the area just after 2 p.m. and continued for several hours before mixing with ice and freezing rain by early evening.

A major winter storm that has gripped much of the Midwest and Northeast brought a wintry mix to the Poconos on Wednesday.

Heavy snow overspread the area just after 2 p.m. and continued for several hours before mixing with ice and freezing rain by early evening.

Snowfall totals ranged from 2 inches in Delaware Water Gap to 2.7 inches at Tobyhanna, far short of the 4 to 8 inches initially forecast.

But that was still enough to make a mess on area roadways. PennDOT reduced the speed limit on Interstates 80 and 380 and Route 33 to 45 mph.

Seven Bridge Road in Smithfield Township, Route 402 in Middle Smithfield Township and Godfrey's Ridge Road in Stroud Township proved to be key trouble spots, as were most untreated secondary roads around the area. Numerous fender benders and stranded vehicles were reported.

"This storm is being treated like every winter storm," said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman Ron Young. "PennDOT had its trucks loaded up with salt and/or anti-skid material prior to the storm's arrival, and will keep crews out non-stop until the storm is over and roads are clear."

Wednesday's weather was just one other element firefighters had to deal with as they responded to a fire at Battery Warehouse in Smithfield Township. The poor travel conditions made it difficult for them to get to the Independence Road facility. Once they arrived, firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.

Although the worst of the snow has ended, freezing rain could continue to be a big problem through this morning, according to Pocono weather expert Ben Gelber.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for the area through noon today. Total ice accumulation of a quarter-inch is possible, and that could cause some isolated power outages.

Met-Ed crews are prepared and ready to respond to any outages, its parent company, FirstEnergy, said Wednesday.

FirstEnergy utilities implemented the company's storm preparation process, including calling in extra line crews and securing commitments from contractor crews to deploy as needed.

Wednesday night, Stroudsburg borough declared a snow emergency through noon Friday. All vehicles parked along snow emergency routes will be towed at the owner's expense.